1323 Duke Street – Witness to African American History

Nestled at the corner of 1323 Duke Street is a historical gem that tells the story of African American experiences in the 19th century. Built in 1888 by Emmanuel Jones, this house stands witness to the extremes of that era, transitioning from a hub of slave trading activities to becoming a symbol of freedom and civil rights.

In 1835, the block was purchased by slave dealers Isaac Franklin and John Armfield, who ran a notorious business that shipped thousands of African Americans to New Orleans for auction. However, during the Civil War, the tide turned as Union troops took control of the block and established L’Ouverture Hospital in 1864. This hospital, named after Toussaint L’Ouverture. A key figure in the Haitian Revolution, became a place of healing for soldiers serving in the U.S. Colored Troops (USCT).

Shiloh Baptist Church – A Sanctuary of Freedom

The echoes of history resonate within the walls of Shiloh Baptist Church. Which has a deep-rooted connection to 1323 Duke Street. The church’s origins trace back to the L’Ouverture Hospital mess hall. Where the Old Shiloh Society congregated after the Civil War. This early congregation, led by Reverend Leland Warring, Charles Rodgers, and E. Owens, later moved across West Street.

The church’s involvement extended beyond religious gatherings. It played a pivotal role in Alexandria’s first collective civil rights action. In 1864, 423 soldiers from L’Ouverture Hospital protested the unequal burial of their comrades in the freedmen’s graveyard. Their petition successfully secured a resting place in Alexandria National Cemetery. Where they laid approximately 280 USCT soldiers to rest, making a solemn statement of equality.

1323 Duke Street encapsulates a journey from the shackles of slavery to the triumph of freedom, with Shiloh Baptist Church standing as a testament to the resilience and determination of a community that sought equality and justice during a crucial period in American history.

In the heart of 1323 Duke Street. The intertwined narratives of slavery, freedom, and civil rights converge, leaving an indelible mark on American history. This historical site, with its transformative journey. Invites reflection on the resilience of a community that navigated through the extremes of the 19th century. Shaping the very fabric of progress and equality.